2025 Program registration is now open
Is sailing something you have been wanting to learn?
Are you interested in learning how to sail in a fun, friendly and accessible environment?
Come join us!
AYC Sailing School’s Adult & Family Keelboating Program is intended to introduce people to the sport of sailing by learning the basics and getting on the water in a fun and accessible format.
Who it’s for
The program is for adults and children (11+ who are accompanied by adults participating in the program). Training takes place on our Soling keelboats during weekday evenings and select weekend afternoons.
Many graduates of this program continue with sailing on their own, at another club or they join the Armdale Yacht Club sailing community and participate in recreational sailing and racing at the club.
What you will learn
Our club Solings are perfect boats for groups of 2-3 and offer an excellent balance of “small boat” fun with “big boat” stability and comfort. In our Adult & Family Keelboating program, participants learn basic sailing skills and, depending on the interest of participants, more advanced technical skills and also cover racing roles of both skipper and crew.
Our focus is sailing “on the water”, as well as theory and on-land activities (knots, rigging, safety, etc.) Participants will enjoy quality instruction by experienced CANSail certified instructors.
Participants in our Adult & Family Keelboating program can opt to receive CANSail Start Keelboating certification for an additional fee.
Sessions and dates
Term 1: June 9 – July 27
Pick any 10 sessions within this Term (Select 1 Enrolment and Introductory Session plus 9 On-Water Sessions)
Age: 11+ (participants under 16 must be accompanied by adults)
Prerequisites: None
Total program cost: $585.00 plus HST (10 sessions)
Term 2: July 28 – Sept 14
Pick any 10 sessions within this Term (Select 1 Enrolment and Introductory Session plus 9 On-Water Sessions)
Age: 11+ (participants under 16 must be accompanied by adults)
Prerequisites: None
Total program cost: $585.00 plus HST (10 sessions)
Optional – CANSail Start Keelboating Certification 2025
Total cost: $50 plus HST
Participants aged 16+ in our Adult & Family Keelboating program can elect to be evaluated and certified under Sail Canada’s Start Keelboating curriculum. This is completely optional and you can add it to your purchase on the registration page.
Why get this certification?
- The certification is recognized by sailing clubs, schools, and organizations across Canada and often internationally, establishing your proficiency in keelboating.
- Holding the certification demonstrates your commitment to learning and adhering to safe sailing practices, making you a more trustworthy and reliable crew member or skipper.
- Certified individuals may have better access to rental boats, charter opportunities, and crew positions in various sailing events and competitions.
Not sure if you would like to be certified?
No problem! You can choose to pay for certification after registration. Make sure you speak with our instructors about the deadline to register for certification.
Additional information
Equipment needed
In general, we provide everything you need to get on the water, but there are a few exceptions. All participants in our programs must supply and provide their own life jacket (DOT approved PFD), soft soled non-marking shoes, as well as a notebook and pencil.
Food and drink
All participants must provide their own food and drink. Hydration is also very important, so participants in all programs should come with their own water bottle.
Clothing
Participants in our programs should come dressed for the weather. On sunny days, we recommend that you wear a hat, sunglasses and put on sunscreen. You may also wish to wear a long-sleeved shirt. Sailing can be a high UV exposure activity, and it is important that you protect yourself. Halifax weather is anything but predictable, however, and so participants should also come dressed for cooler, foggier and misty conditions where appropriate.
Certification
Participants in our Adult & Family Keelboating program can opt-in for certification in the CANSail Start Keelboating program for an additional fee. This fee represents the costs involved in carrying out evaluations and obtaining the necessary certificates from Sail Canada.
The decision to receive certification can be made at the time of registration, or at any time during the season. For more information on how to opt-in for Start Keelboating certification, please visit our Checklick registration page.
Can I register for only a few sessions in the Adult & Family Keelboating program?
Once participants in our Adult & Family Keelboating program have registered and paid for their introductory session, they can pick up to nine on-water sessions throughout our calendar of dates. They can also participate in fewer than nine.
Registration in these on-water sessions can be done all at once, or piecemeal throughout the season (subject to availability). Where participants complete fewer than nine on-water sessions at the end of the season, they may not receive the optional certification under the CANSail Start Keelboating program.
Where participants register and pay for nine on-water sessions along with the optional certification but end up participating in fewer than nine on-water sessions, the certification fee for Start Keelboating will be refunded to the participant through our Checklick registration system.
Cancellation and refunds
Learn more about our registration terms and cancellation and refund policies.
Our keelboat program for adults and families follows Sail Canada’s CANSail Start Keelboating Certification curriculum [PDF].